Allure: The Science of Beauty

Actor Olivia Munn is no stranger to the spotlight, but in recent years, after the birth of her first child and a breast cancer diagnosis, things have looked a little different for her—a reality Munn is bravely leaning into. “When I get asked about any part of my health journey,” Munn tells Allure’s editor in chief Jessica Cruel, “it feels like I have purpose now.”  Munn walks Cruel through the physical and emotional challenges that came with the joys of her new motherhood. Munn was determined to breastfeed her son, Malcolm, but after working with multiple lactation consultants and trying acupuncture, supplements, and meditation, she turned to formula. Munn says she had “all of this guilt that ‘breast is best,’” adding that “breast milk is amazing, but that slogan is so difficult for women like myself.” She also wrestled with postpartum anxiety and its physical symptoms—waking up in the middle of the night, chest tight, heart racing—that soon did something “strange” to her brain, intensifying the loss of identity she felt during her postpartum break and financial anxiety about being out of the workforce. Two years later, at the urging of her doctor, Munn took the lifetime risk assessment test for breast cancer, and received a high score. After more testing, Munn was diagnosed with bilateral luminal B breast cancer. She’s had five surgeries since then, including a double mastectomy and reconstruction, and an operation to remove her uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to reduce the risk of recurrence. “One question I have been asked,” Munn recalls, “is did I ever feel that my body was betraying me. That doesn’t make sense,” she says, because “my body is the thing getting me through this.”  Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool can be found here. Allure’s Perspectives is a new series exploring the topics shaping women's lives today through honest, nuanced, and deeply personal conversations. The first season examines the cultural significance of breasts through intimate accounts and expert interviews, hosted by editor in chief Jessica Cruel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's our final episode of the year! After reviewing the colorful — pun very-much intended — history of hair dye, Jenny and Dianna team up with cosmetic chemist Dr. Anne Wagner to answer all your burning (well, hopefully not burning) questions about coloring your hair. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're covering the topic holding this whole season together: our scalps. Join Jenny, Dianna, and guest Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, principal scientist for Head & Shoulders, as they get to the root of dandruff, dryness, and every other scalp issue imaginable. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we speak, there are about 30 million women in the United States who are experiencing hair loss and thinning as caused by genetics — yet the topic remains taboo. So this week, Jenny and Dianna called in dermatologist Nazanin Saedi to investigate the different causes of hair loss and review the many treatment options available — while getting real about the costs. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jenny and Dianna are going to battle with a universal enemy: frizz. Join them — along with cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas — as they dive deep into what causes frizz and how to prevent it, plus share the frizz-fighters we should all add to our arsenal. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Be honest — have you ever wondered what conditioner is actually... doing? This week, Jenny and Dianna are exploring the MVP of any in-shower routine with help from Dr. Jeni Thomas, global principal scientist for Pantene. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our second season is off to a spooky start, as we investigate a vilified ingredient... that's probably on your skin right now. Eek! But don't worry — cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski is here to help Jenny and Dianna bust some myths about silicones. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you miss us? The Science of Beauty, a podcast from Allure, is back for a second season. And this time, things are getting... hairy. Join Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, and Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor, as they investigate all the hair tips, tricks and myths that you've always wondered about. Season 2 launches Thursday, November 18th, with new episodes releasing weekly. Subscribe now so you don't miss our first episode all about one of the most mysterious ingredients in hair care. Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These tiny chains of amino acids are among the most powerful topical tools we have to help smooth wrinkles and restore skin firmness — here’s why. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Cindy Bae) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This clinically-proven vitamin B3 derivative can help treat acne, brighten dark spots, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. No wonder it’s taken TikTok by storm. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Shari Marchbein) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This natural oil has a funny-sounding name, but it’s got serious benefits for skin and hair—especially if yours feel parched. Best of all, you can easily snag a bottle on your next grocery-store run. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Rita V. Linker) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This essential oil is a triple-threat against breakouts, but if you want to reap the benefits, you’ve got to take it slow. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Alyx Rosen Aigen) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This skin brightener is one of few ingredients that can help reduce the dark spots and discoloration also known as hyperpigmentation—but there’s more to the story. Listen in, then read this investigative report on skin lightening products published by Allure last year: https://www.allure.com/story/end-of-skin-whitening-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Evan Rieder) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This moisturizing lipid has a complicated backstory, but it’s worth sifting through the facts to uncover the hydrating benefits, particularly if you have oily skin. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This soothing ingredient has a fascinating origin story—and compelling research on why it works so well to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and help accelerate wound healing. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of our favorite cica-infused products: https://www.allure.com/gallery/cica-skin-care-products (Special thanks to cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Without our body’s natural ceramides, our skin cells would dry up and shrivel. Apply ceramides topically, and these lipids help your skin cells not just survive, but thrive. Here are some of our favorite ceramide-enriched products to get you started: https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-ceramide-skin-care-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Elyse Love) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biotin has earned a reputation as the “it” supplement if you’re looking to grow out your hair or strengthen your nails — though surprisingly, there’s very little clinical research behind its supposed beauty benefits. But we do know about the B vitamin might very well surprise you... (Special thanks to Dermatologist Annie Chiu) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have natural collagen to thank for our skin’s resilience and firmness… or lack thereof. Collagen depletes as we age, but can applying it topically — or even ingesting it — make a difference in the quality of your skin? Let’s find out! (Special thanks to Dermatologist Melanie Palm) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The skin benefits of sulfur are often overshadowed by its rather... stinky reputation. But we suspect you’ll quickly get over the smell when you learn what this ingredient can do to help fight acne. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're exploring an ingredient with a storied past — and a promising future. Turmeric is spiked with curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from damaging free radicals. It can also treat inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema, which is why you'll often find turmeric in calming lotions and serums. Listen in, then shop our turmeric-infused favorites here: https://www.allure.com/gallery/turmeric-based-skin-care-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices